Ilse’s Bakery Recipe: Pfeffernüsse

The name "Pfeffernüsse" reflects the cookie's distinct ingredients: a blend of spices that traditionally includes pepper (hence the name), along with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and anise. The "nuts" part of the name does not necessarily refer to actual nuts in the ingredients but rather to the small, round shape of the cookies, which are reminiscent of nuts.

The popularity of Pfeffernüsse grew significantly during the 19th century. They became a staple of German Christmas markets and a beloved treat enjoyed during the holiday season. The cookies were often baked in large batches and stored to be enjoyed throughout the Advent season leading up to Christmas.

Pfeffernüsse are known for their hard texture when first baked, which softens over time. This characteristic made them ideal for long-term storage and also symbolizes the cookies' historical roots, when baked goods needed to last through long winters.

Today, Pfeffernüsse continue to be a cherished holiday tradition in many households, known for their unique spicy flavor and rich history that ties back to early European baking traditions.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts), toasted
• Assembly
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, black pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough
6. Assembly
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
10. Allow the Pfeffernüsse to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Serves: 24 cookies

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: German

Updated: 3 months ago